Perfect Accents: Cabinet Knobs and Handles

Though small in stature, the look and function of a cabinet knob is a large part of how a kitchen or bathroom looks. A set of well-chosen cabinet handles can truly breathe life into an otherwise dull area. In a place where the surroundings are already to a homeowner's liking, a cabinet knob can provide an excellent accent to the existing decor.

Cabinet Handle Materials
Cabinet knobs and handles can be found made out of almost anything. Those with a taste for shimmer and shine will find that metal cabinet knobs run the entire gambit from aluminum to zinc. Each metal will have certain pros and cons, but some are definitely more popular than others. Gold and silver cabinet handles might be a bit out of most homeowners' price range, but pewter, brass, bronze, and chrome can look incredibly elegant at a mere fraction of the cost.

Wooden cabinet knobs can be made from the same species as the cabinets themselves, but for the sake of contrast, an interesting look can be attained by using two different species. A similar effect can be made by using the same species but different stains; those interested in this option will be happy to know that wooden cabinet knobs are available unfinished.

Cabinet knobs can be found made of horn, bone, ivory, glass, and even stone. If there is a material that you crave, there is probably a company (or independent artisan) that's making a knob or handle out of it right now.

Pricing Cabinet Knobs
Cabinet handles are generally a bit more expensive than cabinet knobs as they usually contain more material and can also take more work to fabricate. Both, on an individual basis, aren't exceedingly pricey. The catch is that people are rarely in the market for just one.

When outfitting an entire kitchen with new hardware, the price for each cabinet knob is going to add up in a big way. There are $40 cabinet handles out there (and no, they aren't made of gold). When you do the math, it might turn out that you don't need as much of an accent as you might have thought at first, especially considering that even a very small kitchen can have 15 or 20 knobs in it.

Antique Cabinet Knobs
One case where people are often willing to go over budget is when they are buying antiques. The idea of what you are purchasing becoming more rare and special by the day is a very appealing one. Truly it can be said that cabinet hardware that was next to worthless 100 years ago has a much higher value today.

If you are looking for something unique that has a story to tell, then an antique is a good way to go. An antique, however, is only worth what the person who wants it most is willing to pay for it. Make sure to trust your judgment: If something seems way too expensive for a cabinet handle, then it probably is.